KUCHING: Sarawak Stadium is set to be more than just a sporting venue during the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games 2027, with plans to create a vibrant, family-friendly festival atmosphere around the area.
Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the Games will go beyond competition, with efforts to make the experience accessible to the wider public.
“The SEA Games is not just about sports, but also about creating a festival for the people.
“People can come with their families, even if they are not watching the events, and still enjoy the atmosphere”, he said during a press conference at Stadium Perpaduan here today (Apr 28).
Taufiq added that the area around Sarawak Stadium will feature additional attractions to draw visitors throughout the Games period.
“At Sarawak Stadium itself, there will be sales, booths, exhibitions and other activities so that people who come are not only there to watch the sports,” he said.
State Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the concept builds on previous experience during the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, where surrounding areas were activated for public engagement.
“We want the whole area to be vibrant and happening. During SUKMA, we had Celebration Square, and we plan to have something similar,” he said.
He added that elements such as Malaysian Kitchen, merchandise sales and public spaces will be introduced to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Sarawak will host the opening ceremony of SEA Games 2027 and organise 17 of the 38 sports contested, with many events taking place within the Sarawak Sports Complex.
